In recognition of his outstanding contributions to nation building, former Abia State Governor and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, will be conferred with a honourary doctorate degree in Public Administration by the University of Nigeria (UNN) Nsukka on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
The event which will attract people from all walks of life including top government officials, traditional rulers, the organised private sector, academia and diplomatic community, is part of activities marking the institution’s 47th convocation ceremony.
Kalu, a businessman, politician and a philanthropist, is being honoured alongside the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and former Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia, for his remarkable and indelible contributions to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.
The Forbes-rated billionaire, with vast business interests around the globe, has, over the years, through his renowned business empire, SLOK Group, continually created employment and wealth for the teeming Nigerian populace and foreigners alike.
The former two-term governor of Abia State, who was christened “Action Governor†in 1999 by former President Olusgeun Obasanjo, demonstrated his uncommon business and leadership sagacity while he held sway as the state’s helmsman. His administration recorded tremendous success in all ramifications with special focus on improved workers’ welfare, infrastructural regeneration, free education scheme, free and qualitative health services and sports development.
Kalu, who is also a committed democrat and nationalist, through various platforms including Orji Kalu Foundation, Njiko Igbo, G-34,Team United Nigeria, HopeAliveGroup and New Nigeria Initiative advocate good governance, democratic development, entrepreneurship, patriotism, peaceful co-existence and unity at all levels.
His milk of kindness knows no bounds as he continues to provide succour to many in the society especially the masses who are mainly beneficiaries of his humanitarian gestures such as free health scheme, scholarship scheme, mentorship and interest-free loan scheme.
The former governor , a detribalised Nigerian, who has built relationships beyond the South-east is also Ahejiagamba of Igbere, Mayaiki Katsina, Aro of Ogbomoso, Baa Danide of Borgu, Bobameto of Ijesha, Kachalla of Misau, Ikemba of Ohafia, among other numerous chieftaincy titles.
